AGP Executive Report

Reparations Push in Ghana: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Accra backed a 19-point reparatory justice plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, comprehensive debt relief, restitution of looted cultural property and ancestral remains, climate-justice financing, and pathways for diaspora Africans—while stressing the UN resolution on transatlantic slavery must lead to real action, not just symbolism. São Tomé and Príncipe in the Spotlight: São Tomé and Príncipe’s President Carlos Vila Nova is listed among heads of state attending the Accra talks, underscoring the country’s role in the wider Global South justice agenda. Healthcare Capacity Boost: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa Asia Luminary convened First Ladies from 12 countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to advance health-system capacity, with thousands of medical scholarships reported. Russian Influence Concern: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including plans involving São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Ocean Protection Move: West African states are urging early marine-protected-area action for the Eastern Atlantic, including waters tied to São Tomé and Príncipe, as a key migration corridor.

Guinea Gulf Spotlight: São Tomé and Príncipe is getting a rare travel spotlight, with a vivid look at daily life in the capital and the country’s low tourist numbers tied to tough access routes. Financial Governance: A piece on the Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems—an issue that matters for investors and compliance in São Tomé and Príncipe. Reparatory Justice Diplomacy: President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among leaders attending Ghana’s Next Steps Conference on reparatory justice, tied to UN Resolution A/RES/80/250, as Mahama says the goal is healing and reconciliation. Education & Portuguese-Speaking Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting in Macao brought together universities including São Tomé and Príncipe, pushing cooperation and exchanges across Portuguese-speaking countries. External Influence Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence claims Russia plans “Russian Houses” in multiple countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a wider influence campaign. Ocean Protection: West African states are pushing for early marine protected areas in the Eastern Atlantic, including waters linked to São Tomé and Príncipe, under the new high-seas treaty momentum.

Currency Watch: Six African countries now need over 2,000 units of local currency to buy $1, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the weakest on the continent, a sign of import dependence and wider economic pressures. Reparatory Justice Diplomacy: World leaders and ministers are arriving in Ghana for the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, following a UN resolution recognizing the trans-Atlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity; São Tomé and Príncipe’s president is listed among attendees. Education & Portuguese-Speaking Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting in Macao wrapped up, bringing together universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation across Portuguese-speaking countries. Ocean Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering waters from Cape Verde and Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty. Tech & AI Access: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome rollout expands to Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, and the broader Africa launch list includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports & Youth Development: Preparations for the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja continue, with an ANOCA coordination team led by João Da Costa Manuel from São Tomé and Príncipe.

High Seas Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering a key migration corridor from Cape Verde and Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the Our Ocean high-seas treaty, aiming to protect at least 30% of ecosystems by 2030. Foreign Influence Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding a “Russian Houses” network across Africa to shape public opinion, coordinated through Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024-linked public diplomacy group. UK Ocean Funding: The UK announced new ocean investment via its Blue Planet Fund for climate resilience, marine health and plastic pollution work, supporting initiatives including PROBLUE and ORRAA. World Cup Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says players are facing unprecedented online abuse ahead of a crucial World Cup match, with criticism tied to anti-immigration politics. Sports & Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened in Macau with participation from São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on cooperation in higher education across Portuguese-speaking countries. Health Patents: PATAM and Third World Network filed an observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures undermine novelty. Oil & Gas Interest: Petrobras is expanding internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil.

UK Ocean Protection: The UK announced new funding at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa to back climate resilience and ocean health, including work by PROBLUE, ORRAA and the Global Plastic Action Partnership through the Blue Planet Fund. Sports & Learning: Malawi’s football leaders say the 2026 World Cup should be a “learning platform” for better administration and commercialization, while Pelorus launched “Curious Minds,” a family travel concept inspired by Sir David Attenborough. Regional Football Spotlight: WAFCON fixtures were released, with Malawi’s Scorchers set for a tough opening against Nigeria, and World Cup coverage continues to fuel debate across African fan communities. Health & Patents: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead patent application tied to HIV compounds, arguing novelty and inventive step issues. Tech in Africa: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, adding São Tomé and Príncipe to the wider rollout list. Diplomacy & Education: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau with participation including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to deepen higher-education cooperation.

Russian Influence in Africa: Ukraine reports Russia is expanding a “Russian Houses” network to shape African public opinion, working through Rossotrudnichestvo and a new public diplomacy center. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen academic cooperation. World Cup Learning for Football: Malawi’s football leaders say the 2026 World Cup should be a “learning platform” for better administration, marketing and fan engagement. Women’s Football Fixtures: Malawi’s Scorchers will face Nigeria in their WAFCON opener in Morocco, with group matches also against Egypt and Zambia. Tech Access: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among supported locales. Energy Investment Watch: Petrobras says it is growing internationally, including recent acquisitions tied to São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside deals in Africa and beyond. Climate Update: Global data shows May 2026 was the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years.

Russian Influence in Africa: Ukraine-linked reporting says Russia is expanding a “Russian Houses” network across Africa via Rossotrudnichestvo and a new public diplomacy center, aiming to shape African opinion alongside military support. Patent Fight Across ARIPO States: PATAM and Third World Network filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures and prior science undermine novelty and inventive step—potentially affecting protection across 21 Harare Protocol contracting states, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Education and Portuguese-Speaking Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together universities from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation. Sports and Youth Games Planning: Nigeria reiterated its commitment to the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with an ANOCA coordination team that includes João Da Costa Manuel from São Tomé and Príncipe inspecting venues and preparations. Tech for African Users: Google says Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among supported locales. Trade Rules Training: Under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training to strengthen how origin rules are applied in preferential trade deals.

Patent & Public Health: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead Sciences HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures and established science raise serious questions over novelty and inventive step—potentially affecting patent rights across 21 ARIPO contracting states. Portuguese-Speaking Education: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together universities from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation and Portuguese-language culture. Football & Learning: Malawi’s SULOM president urged football stakeholders to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a practical learning platform for better administration, commercialization, marketing and fan engagement. Tech & Inclusion: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, adding São Tomé and Príncipe among the broader rollout across African markets. Sports Diplomacy: Nigeria reiterated its commitment to host the Abuja 2027 Africa Schools Games, with an ANOCA coordination team that includes João Da Costa Manuel from São Tomé and Príncipe. Trade Facilitation: With EU-WCO support, customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe completed training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise for preferential trade agreements. Environment: New global climate reporting says May 2026 was the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years.

ARIPO Patent Challenge: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead Sciences HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures and established science undermine novelty and inventive step—potentially affecting patent rights across 21 ARIPO contracting states including São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports & Learning: Malawi’s Super League president urged football stakeholders to use the 2026 World Cup as a practical guide for better administration, commercialization and fan engagement. World Cup Spotlight: A World Cup recap highlights how Tunisia’s defensive record fell apart against Sweden, underscoring the gap between qualifying success and tournament pressure. Diaspora & Tourism: Uganda plans to use the Africa Nations Cup UK to market its wildlife, landscapes and culture to the UK and African diaspora. Tech in Africa: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, adding more built-in AI access across the region. Trade Rules Training: WCO’s EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme says Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training to strengthen how preferential trade rules are applied. Energy Investment Watch: Petrobras says it is growing internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil.

World Cup fallout: Sweden beat Tunisia in the opener, exposing Tunisia’s defensive resilience as they suffered costly errors and a lack of attacking punch on the biggest stage. Football development: Malawi’s SULOM president Gilbert Mittawa urged local stakeholders to use the 2026 World Cup as a learning platform for better administration, commercialization, marketing and fan engagement. Sports and diaspora tourism: Uganda plans to use the Africa Nations Cup UK to promote tourism to the UK and African diaspora, highlighting wildlife, landscapes and culture through the Uganda Cranes. Regional youth sports: Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the Abuja 2027 Africa Schools Games, with ANOCA officials including João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe on venue and planning visits. Trade capacity for São Tomé and Príncipe: With EU-WCO support, Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training-of-trainers workshops to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise for preferential trade agreements. Diplomatic appointments: India named new envoys—Lakshmanan Ramesh Babu to Côte d’Ivoire and Vinay Kumar to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. Environment and islands: A feature spotlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s endemic birdlife and volcanic landscapes, tying conservation interest to the islands’ unique ecology.

AI & Media: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users. Sports & Youth: Nigeria reiterates its push to host the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with an ANOCA coordination team that includes João Da Costa Manuel from São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy: India appoints Lakshmanan Ramesh Babu as ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and Vinay Kumar as ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. Trade & Customs: EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme trains Customs origin-determination experts, including participants from São Tomé and Príncipe, to strengthen use of preferential trade agreements. Energy & Industry: Petrobras grows internationally with new offshore Cote d’Ivoire contracts and recent acquisitions including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Environment: Global climate data shows May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years. Aviation Safety: EU updates its Air Safety List—Kyrgyz airlines removed; Air Express Algeria added with EU operating restrictions.

Sports & Tourism: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK (27–28 June) to market its gorillas, Nile source, waterfalls and culture to UK and African diaspora audiences. Regional Youth Sports: Nigeria says it remains committed to hosting the Abuja 2027 Africa Schools Games, with an ANOCA coordination team that includes João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe visiting venues and stakeholders. Tech & Connectivity: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among the broader rollout locales. Trade & Customs: Under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training-of-trainers workshops to strengthen rules-of-origin skills for preferential trade agreements. Energy & Investment: Petrobras says it is growing internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil. Environment: New global weather reporting puts May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years.

Sports & Tourism: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK (27–28 June) to market its gorillas, Nile source, waterfalls and culture to UK audiences and the African diaspora. Regional Youth Sports: Nigeria says it remains committed to the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with an ANOCA coordination team that includes João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe visiting venues and stakeholders. Tech & Connectivity: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among the supported African locales. Diplomacy: India has appointed Lakshmanan Ramesh Babu as ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and Vinay Kumar as ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, with both expected to take up posts soon. Trade Capacity Building: Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined EU-WCO training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise for preferential trade agreements. Environment: New global climate reporting says May 2026 was the second-warmest May on record, reinforcing concerns about rising heat.

AI in the browser: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe included in a wider Africa rollout—bringing built-in AI search and help to more local users. Sports & youth development: Nigeria says it remains committed to hosting the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with an ANOCA team led by João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe inspecting venues and preparations. Energy & investment: Petrobras says it is expanding internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it pursues new reserves beyond Brazil. Climate watch: Global data shows May 2026 was the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years. Maritime security: A report says sanctioned Russian tankers are repeatedly avoiding the English Channel by sailing around the UK’s waters. Trade capacity building: With WCO support, Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise for preferential trade agreements.

Sports & Youth: Nigeria says it’s fully committed to hosting the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with ANOCA visiting venues and stakeholders June 8–11; the coordination team is led by João Da Costa Manuel from São Tomé and Príncipe. Tech & Connectivity: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with São Tomé and Príncipe included among the broader rollout locales. Trade Facilitation: Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined EU-WCO training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise, aiming to help countries use trade agreements more effectively. Energy & Investment: Petrobras says it’s growing internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil. Environment: New global climate reporting flags May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years. Aviation Safety: The EU Air Safety List update removes all Kyrgyz carriers and adds Air Express Algeria, restricting its ability to operate in the EU.

Sports Diplomacy: Nigeria’s National Sports Commission says it remains committed to delivering the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, with ANOCA’s coordination team—headed by João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe—inspecting venues and preparations during a June 8–11 visit. Tech & Connectivity: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding AI search help across dozens of African markets including São Tomé and Príncipe. Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined training-of-trainers sessions to build local expertise on rules of origin for preferential trade agreements. Energy & Investment: Petrobras says it is expanding internationally, including recent acquisitions tied to São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil. Environment: New global climate reporting puts May 2026 among the warmest on record, with NOAA and NASA highlighting rising heat trends. Aviation Safety: The EU Air Safety List update removes Kyrgyzstan carriers and adds Air Express Algeria after safety concerns. Maritime Security: Indonesia reports illegal fishing crackdowns, including a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag.